Meaning in Life

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I titled this "Meaning in Life" and not "Meaning of Life," quite intentionally. Probably the biggest question believers have for nonbelievers is how they can live in a world and live a life devoid of meaning. I would argue that their perception of meaning is skewed, but nevertheless they have a profound issue with the idea of people living what they can only perceive as a life without purpose or meaning. A life without hope. 

I don't see it that way at all. A life has meaning when the person living that life gives it meaning. Life doesn't have meaning just because it exists. If you want your life to mean something then you simply go out and give it meaning. You can choose to live a meaningful life even without the influence of a God or religion. 

My life is not devoid of meaning. In fact I would argue that life feels more meaningful to me now than it ever did when I was a practicing Christian. Instead of living a life expecting God to rescue me from life's trials and suffering anxiety when he doesn't, I just see trials as part of the life experience. Instead of enduring and tolerating this life all while seeing it as temporary in favor of some promised after life I can embrace my life. If this is all there is, I need to be taking it all in. Because life is short. Instead of seeing myself as in this world but not of this world like church teaches I am able to see myself as a part of nature; apart of this planet and it makes me want to cherish it and be a good steward. 

I derive meaning from art and music and the beauty in nature. I see meaning in the stars and the birds and the sun. I give my life meaning through how I care for other people and for animals and how I raise my children and how I will help raise my grandchildren. Love will be my legacy and I don't need a church for that.   

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